Teething Toy Recall: Pull String Choking Risk and What to Do

About 25 minutes to read. Short on time? Read the bold lines and the Key Takeaways near the end.

You bought it because it looked sensible. It was a bright teething toy, easy to grip, priced between $11 and $15. Your baby chewed on it in the car seat, in the high chair, and at 3 a.m. when nothing else worked.

Then the recall notice arrives, or a friend sends you a screenshot, and your stomach drops. The notice talks about strings reaching the back of a child's throat. It is a frightening thing to read about something that was in your baby's mouth last week.

This article is for parents and caregivers of babies and young children who want a calm, practical answer. I will walk you through what was recalled, why long thin strings are a problem, and what to do with the toy. Then we will cover how to pick a better teether and how to tell whether teething is really behind your baby's bad week. You will finish with a short routine you can keep.

Which pull string teething toy was recalled, and what happened?

The recall covers GOPO Toys pull string teething toys, sold on Amazon from August 2023 through March 2026. The company knows of three reports of the strings reaching the back of a child's throat, causing respiratory distress or choking.

"Respiratory distress" simply means a child struggling to breathe. Three reports may sound small, but each one describes a child whose toy strings reached the back of the throat, causing respiratory distress or choking.

What the notice says, in plain words

The toy has a main body with silicone strings attached. The recall date listed is June 18, 2026. It sold for between $11 and $15 on Amazon, which means it ran for a little over two and a half years before the recall.

That timeline matters. A toy can sit in diaper bags for years and look perfectly fine, right up until it does not.

Is this one brand, or a pattern?

It is a pattern. The same kind of pull string teething toy has been recalled from other sellers too. The Little Rawr recall, for a toy sold on Amazon by Okabesini-us, includes one report of the strings reaching the back of a child's throat.

The Yetonamr recall, for a toy sold on Amazon by Longyanguiheng, says the CPSC (the US Consumer Product Safety Commission) is aware of 32 choking incidents. The CuddleCubs Creations teething sets, sold on Amazon by YouRfocus, were also recalled.

Different brand names, different sellers, one design idea. If you have any teether with silicone strings that dangle, treat it as suspect and check the recall pages.

A quick example

Picture a parent who bought one years ago and tucked it into the diaper bag. She never watched the news and never signed up for alerts. The toy is still in rotation at grandma's house, where it lives in a basket of "baby things."

Nothing in that story is careless. It is how most of us live. Recalls only help when the news reaches the person holding the toy.

Common mistakes after a recall:

When to get help

If your baby is ever struggling to breathe, cannot cry or cough, or looks blue around the lips, that is an emergency. Call your local emergency number straight away. Ask your doctor or health visitor where to find an infant first aid class near you. Knowing the steps before you need them is worth an evening of your time.

Up next: why strings in particular are such a problem for a baby's airway.

Why are pull strings a choking risk for a baby?

Babies explore with their mouths, and a long, thin string can slide toward the back of the throat before a baby can react. The Little Rawr notice says the silicone strings were smaller and longer than the mandatory toy standard allows.

Mouths are how babies learn

Most babies put a lot of things in the mouth. That is normal development, not bad behavior. It is also why teething toys exist: babies will chew something, so we try to hand them something safe.

Teething usually starts around 4 to 7 months, and children have 20 baby teeth by age 3. That is a long stretch of chewing, drooling and testing every object within reach.

Why strings are different from other toy parts

Most of us know to watch for small pieces, like a button that has come off. A string is a different shape of problem. It is long, thin and flexible, so it can slide in deeper than you would expect.

The recall reports describe strings reaching the back of a child's throat, which is exactly that. In other words, the toy does not need to break to be dangerous. It only needs to be chewed the way babies chew.

Choking is the leading cause of injury among children ages 3 and younger. Coins and toys account for the most choking incidents that are not related to food.

The rules behind the toy

US rules ban small parts in products meant for children under 3, and the ban covers products intended for use by children under three. Products must not contain small parts or release small parts after use and abuse testing. The Little Rawr notice says these strings broke the mandatory standard because they were smaller and longer than permitted.

This means the problem was not parents using the toy wrongly. The design itself did not meet the rule.

The toilet paper tube check

Seattle Children's gives a simple home test for toys and parts:

To prevent choking in kids 3 or younger, make sure that toys and parts cannot fit inside an empty toilet paper tube.

Seattle Children's

This check is great for pieces. It will not catch everything, though. A string can be too long to fit in a tube and still be a hazard, so use the tube test along with your own eyes.

What to look for in the toy itself

Common mistakes:

When to get help

If your baby coughs, gags or seems distressed while chewing a toy, take it out of reach straight away and watch closely. If breathing does not return to normal quickly, treat it as an emergency. Afterwards, tell your pediatrician about the episode and what the toy was.

Up next: how a toy like this stays on sale for so long.

How can a toy stay on Amazon for years and then get recalled?

A toy can sell for a long time before problems surface, as the recalled GOPO teether shows: it was sold on Amazon from August 2023 through March 2026. The recalled GOPO toy was sold from August 2023 through March 2026, and the recall date listed is June 18, 2026.

Safe on paper, not always safe in real life

Many parents believe that a toy sold by a big store has been checked for safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says regulations, better safety standards and product testing have made most toys safe when used for the recommended ages. It then adds that unsafe toys can still be found.

So the system mostly works. But it is not a guarantee, since unsafe toys can still be found.

Why labels and wording matter

The CPSC looks at several things when deciding whether a product is meant for children under 3, including the manufacturer's stated intent and the age on the label. It also looks at how the item is advertised.

For you, the lesson is simple: a teething toy is meant for babies, so check it carefully, whatever the listing says. If a product is meant to go into a baby's mouth, you can fairly expect it to meet the under 3 rules.

What star ratings can and cannot tell you

A high star rating tells you that babies liked chewing the toy and parents liked how it looked. It does not tell you whether the strings, seams or small parts passed testing. Reviews are a useful clue about comfort and cleaning. They are not a safety check.

Imagine a grandparent who orders a "best selling" teether because it is at the top of the page. It is a loving choice, and it shows why safety knowledge needs to be passed around the family, not left to the person doing the shopping.

Where to report a problem

If you find a toy with a hazard, tell someone. The AAP notes:

SaferProducts.gov allows anyone to report toy safety concerns.

American Academy of Pediatrics

That includes toys that have not been recalled. Your report could be the one that connects the dots for someone else.

Steps to report a toy you are worried about:

1. Take photos of the toy, the packaging and the listing before you do anything else.
2. Write down what happened, including how your baby was using it and what you saw.
3. Note the brand, seller name and where you bought it.
4. Submit the report at SaferProducts.gov, and tell your pediatrician if your baby was affected.

Words you can use

If a relative brings home a toy that worries you, you do not need a lecture. Try: "Thank you, that was so kind. I have a rule that teethers have to be one solid piece with no strings, so I will keep this one for when she is older. Can we pick a different one together?"

Common mistakes:

When to get help

If your baby has been mouthing a recalled toy and you are worried about an incident you did not witness, mention it to your pediatrician. Describe the toy, how long it was used, and any coughing, gagging or breathing trouble you noticed.

Up next: exactly what to do if one of the recalled toys is already in your home.

What should I do if I already own one of these toys?

Stop using it right away and keep it out of reach of children. Then check the notice for your brand, because the remedy depends on the seller. The CuddleCubs notice, for example, offers a full refund through YouRfocus.

The steps, in order

1. Take it away now. Put it in a bag in a high cupboard, away from siblings and pets.
2. Find the brand and seller. Look at the packaging or your order history.
3. Read the recall notice for that exact product. The recall pages are on cpsc.gov, and each is specific to a brand.
4. Contact the seller for the remedy. For the CuddleCubs sets, consumers should stop using the toys immediately, take them away from children and contact YouRfocus for a full refund.
5. Follow the destruction instructions if asked. In that recall, consumers will be asked to destroy the toy by cutting all silicone strings and writing "DESTROYED" in permanent marker on the main body of the toy.
6. Do not give it away or resell it. Passing it on just moves the risk to another baby.
7. Tell everyone who cares for your child. That means grandparents, the babysitter and daycare.

A word on cutting the strings

Notice that cutting the strings is part of a destruction process in that recall, not a way to keep using the toy. A toy with its strings snipped off is not a fixed toy. Follow the notice for your product and do not improvise.

A message you can send the seller

Keep it short and factual: "Hello, I bought your pull string teething toy on Amazon, order number [number]. I understand it has been recalled by the CPSC. Please confirm how I can receive my refund and what I need to do with the toy. Thank you."

Save every message and the date you sent it. If you do not hear back, report it on SaferProducts.gov so there is a record.

What to say to other caregivers

Try: "We have stopped using one of the teething toys because it was recalled for choking risk. Could you check whether you have one at your house? We are only using teethers that are one solid piece, with no strings."

That wording is calm, specific and does not point fingers.

A simple swap

You do not need a fancy replacement. A basic ring that is one solid piece, like Dr. Brown's Best Friends Teething Ring, is a good example of the idea. The FDA advises giving a firm, not liquid-filled, rubber teether to chew on, which can soothe tender gums.

‹›

Dr. Brown's Best Friends Teething Ring, Pink and Purple, 3m+

★★★★☆ 4.8 (596)

• BEST FRIENDS TEETHING RING. Help soothe your little BFF's sore gums with Dr. Brown's Best Friends Teether…
• 100% SILICONE TEETHER FOR BABIES. Soft and durable silicone beaded ring is easy for little fingers to grip…
• SATISFYING TEXTURE. The beaded texture gently massages tender gums and emerging teeth and keeps exploring…

$9.99Buy on Amazon

Whatever you pick, check it over every time you hand it to your baby.

Common mistakes after finding a recalled toy:

When to get help

If your baby has had a scary episode with one of these toys, even a brief one that resolved, call your pediatrician. Bring the toy or a photo and describe exactly what you saw, how long it lasted and how your baby has been since. If you ever see breathing trouble, call emergency services first.

Up next: how to choose a teether you can feel good about.

How do I choose a safer teether?

Choose a firm teether in one piece, with no strings, ties or detachable parts, and use it only while you are watching. The FDA suggests a firm, not liquid filled, teether, and says the teething ring should not be frozen.

A checklist you can use in the store or online

Solid or filled?

This is where honesty matters. The AAP lists liquid filled teething toys among products to avoid, because they can tear or leak and leave sharp edges that might hurt your baby's mouth. The FDA also suggests a firm teether that is not liquid filled.

Some popular teethers have cooling inserts anyway.

Given what the AAP says, I would start with a solid teether. If you choose a filled one, look at it closely every single time, and bin it at the first crack, tear or leak.

A solid option in animal form

That is the sort of design I like: one piece, nothing to unclip, and nothing to leak.

‹›

Dr. Brown's Flexees Teether, Gray Bunny, 3m+, 1-Pack

★★★★☆ 4.8 (1,141)

• BABY TEETHING TOY. Help soothe baby's sore mouth and gums with Dr. Brown's Flexees Bunny Teether.
• 100% SILICONE TEETHER FOR BABIES. Soft and durable silicone is safe for baby to gnaw and bite to soothe…
• SATISFYING TEXTURE. Multiple textures on bunny's arms and ears massage sore spots on baby's teething gums and…

$6.79Buy on Amazon

Just like the rest of what goes in your baby's mouth, teether materials are worth a moment of thought, in the same way that your cup choice matters for developing mouths.

Supervision is part of the safety

Even a good teether is only safe when an adult is nearby. The FDA says:

Be sure to supervise children so they don’t accidentally choke on the teething ring.

FDA

In practice, that means no teething in the car seat while you drive, and no leaving a baby alone in a crib with a teether "to settle down." Keep teething time to moments when you can see the baby's face.

Do not freeze it

The FDA is clear that the teething ring should not be frozen. Very hard, very cold objects are not kind to sore gums.

What not to do

When to get help

If your baby will not take anything in the mouth, refuses feeds, or seems to be in a lot of pain, do not assume it is just teeth. Call your pediatrician or dentist and describe what you have seen.

Up next: whether teething is really the cause when your baby is miserable.

Is teething really the reason my baby is miserable?

Teething can make gums sore and swollen, but the AAP says it does not cause fever, diarrhea or excess crying. If your baby has those, do not blame the teeth; get them checked. Ask your doctor to look for another cause.

What teething actually looks like

Teething usually begins around 4 to 7 months, and by age 3 children have a full set of 20 baby teeth. That is a long time, and there will be fussy days along the way.

Common signs are drooling, chewing on everything, sore and swollen gums, and being a little more irritable than usual. Many babies are also learning to sit and use their hands at the same time, so it is easy to put it all down to teeth. If you are watching that stage, learning to sit up is often happening alongside it.

Why "it's just teething" can be a trap

Every parent has heard it. The trouble is that real illness can be hiding behind it. If a baby has a fever, runny stools or crying that seems far beyond normal, teething is not the explanation.

Picture a baby who has been fussy for two days with a warm forehead and loose nappies. Her parents say, "She's teething." The safer thought is, "Teething doesn't cause those, so let me call the doctor." One of these thoughts can delay care.

Gentle ways to soothe sore gums

The FDA says that if the gums are swollen and tender, you can gently rub or massage them with your finger, or give a firm teether made of rubber to chew on. That is simple and costs nothing.

A cool teether can help too, as long as it is not frozen. Frida's 4 in 1 teether can be chilled in the fridge, but never frozen, so keep it out of the freezer.

‹›

Frida Silicone Teething Toys, 4-in-1 Teether for Babies & Infants

★★★★☆ 4.6 (11,780)

• COMFY TO HOLD: The teether's silicone handle does not get cold, so a baby can hold on while the chilled…
• FOUR TEXTURED SURFACES: Two gel-filled inserts fit into the handle, with a different shape on each side. That…
• REFRIGERATE ONLY: Cool the inserts in the refrigerator only. Frida advises against the freezer because…

$9.99Buy on Amazon

If you go for a filled insert, remember the AAP warning about leaks and tears, and check it every time.

What about gels and medicines?

I cannot give you a safe product list from a few notes, so ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any gel, drop or medicine on your baby's gums. Never guess at a dose. If a product is not clearly labeled for your baby's age, leave it on the shelf until you have asked.

What to say at the doctor's office

Be specific. Instead of "she's teething," try: "She has had a temperature since yesterday, her stools are loose, and she is refusing feeds. We thought it might be her teeth, but I read that teething does not cause fever or diarrhea. Can you check her?"

That gives the doctor the clues they need and shows you are noticing patterns.

A calm teething routine

1. Offer a clean finger massage on the gums first, with freshly washed hands.
2. Offer a clean, cool teether if your baby likes it, taken from the fridge and not the freezer.
3. Stay close and watch while your baby chews.
4. Wipe away drool to help protect the skin around the chin and mouth.
5. Write down any fever, diarrhea or feeding changes so you can describe them if you call the doctor.

Common mistakes:

When to get help

Call your doctor if your baby has a fever, diarrhea, is feeding poorly, seems very sleepy, or cries in a way that does not settle. Ask your doctor or health visitor what temperature should prompt a call, since that depends on your baby's age. If breathing looks hard, use emergency services.

Up next: how to build a toy safety routine that lasts well past the teething stage.

How can I build a safer toy routine at home?

Check every toy for small parts, strings and cracks, keep teethers in your sight, and look up recalls regularly on cpsc.gov. It takes minutes, and it helps catch many common hazards. Baby gear safety is mostly habits, and the habits are easy once they are set.

The five minute weekly check

Pick a day, maybe Sunday while you are folding laundry. Spread the toys out and look at them one by one.

Handle the whole household

Coins and toys are the most common non food choking items for children 3 and younger. That means an older sibling's small toys matter just as much as the baby's own.

Give older children a "baby proof" bin or a high shelf for small pieces. Explain it kindly: "These tiny parts are for big kids. The baby puts everything in her mouth, so let's keep them up high."

Make recall checks a habit

Sign up for recall alerts, or set a reminder once a month to scan cpsc.gov for baby products. Searching the brand and the word "recall" takes a minute. If you spot something, act on it the same day.

The AAP also reminds us that you can report concerns at SaferProducts.gov. Your report can help the next family.

A grip that helps you stay close

Babies who can hold their own teether are easier to supervise, because you can see the toy and the hand together. Check the age label to see which babies it is made for.

‹›

Frida Get-A-Grip Baby Teether for Pain Relief, Up to 18 Months, Blue

★★★★☆ 4.8 (4,208)

• A GRIP THAT HOLDS: The blue Get-A-Grip Teether is built around the hand as much as the mouth. Its…
• WRIST-HUGGING SHAPE: The Get-A-Grip Teether hugs the wrist and offers a bar handle to grab, engaging a baby's…
• TEXTURES TO WORK: Different textures sit across the blue Get-A-Grip Teether, on shapes that reach the front…

$7.99Buy on Amazon

As your baby grows, bodies built for exploration means more grabbing, throwing and mouthing, and the checks you set up now will cover those new stages.

A script for daycare and family

Send one clear message to everyone who helps with your baby: "We are only using teethers that are one solid piece, with no strings, ties or things that come off. Please do not give her toys that have loose parts, and let us know if you are not sure about something. If you spot a recall, please tell us."

Clear rules are easier to follow than vague worry, and they stop awkward moments before they start.

What to keep in mind with every new toy

1. Read the age label, then use your own judgment about your baby's stage.
2. Check for anything long, thin or loose.
3. Run the tube test on any small pieces.
4. Look for the brand and seller name, and note them down.
5. Keep the packaging for a few weeks in case you need to return it.

Common mistakes:

When to get help

If you are unsure whether a toy is safe, ask your pediatrician or health visitor, and bring the toy along. If you see any sign that your baby has swallowed something other than food, or has had trouble breathing, get urgent help.

How do the safer options compare?

Here is a quick side by side of the five products I have mentioned. I have been honest about the drawbacks, including the AAP's concern about filled teethers.

The AAP warns that liquid filled teething toys can tear or leak, and the FDA suggests a firm teether that is not liquid filled.

Key points to remember

Before the FAQ, one last reminder: the choice of a teether matters less than how you use it. A simple, solid design, used with an adult watching, beats a fancy one used in the car seat. The rest is routine.

One calm habit is enough

If you have just found a recalled toy in your baby's basket, please do not spend tonight feeling guilty. You did what most of us do: you bought something that looked popular, in good faith. What counts now is that you know, and that you have acted.

A teething toy is only as safe as the design and the adult sitting beside it. Simple, solid and supervised is a sensible rule of thumb.

If this helped, save it for the next time a recall hits your feed, and share it with the grandparent, nanny or friend who also buys baby gear. A single message can reach another baby's parent before it matters.